Changing your oil

Everyone has heard at least one story about somebody getting ripped off at the car repair shop. Save yourself the hassle and some money by doing your own oil change. Besides, the sense of accomplishment at the end is worth more than your apprehensions.

Before you start: Buy the recommended oil and filter.

Step One: Raise the front of the vehicle so it’s easier to get under the car. You can buy a car ramp from your local auto parts store and just drive the car up onto it or do it the good old fashioned way.

Step Two: Find the oil drain plug. Some cars will have under tray panels that block the oil drain. They’ll either have a little door to access it or you’ll have to take the tray off completely.

Step Three: Most cars use a 14mm ratchet to loosen the drain plug. Let all the oil drain out until it goes into a slow drip, slow being the key word. Drain it into an oil bucket, which generally holds about three to four oil changes worth of oil. Most local auto part stores will have a recycling center for it. Put the drain plug back in.

Step Four: Find the oil filter. It’s not always as easy as it sounds- some cars like to hide it. Once you do find it, remove the filter by twisting it off counter-clockwise with a cup wrench.

Step Five: Rub the seal on the new filter with a very small amount of oil. The old stuff you just drained will do fine. That way, when the filter is tightened in place, the seal won’t tear.

Step Six: To tighten the filter in place, twist it by hand until what the average person would consider to be tight. Then, rotate it another quarter of a turn.

Step Seven: Double check that the drain plug is tight and replace the under tray panel if you removed it. If the car is on a ramp, skip to step eight now. If it’s on a jack, lower the car.

Step Eight: Pop open the hood and find the oil cap on the motor. It’ll usually have a picture of something that looks like Aladdin’s lamp. Unscrew the cap and place a funnel there. Add however much oil your car manual directs you to. Replace the cap and you’re done.